Even Superman had Kryptonite, so as daunting as the Oklahoma Sooners' 2026 schedule looks right now, every team on it has a weakness that Brent Venables can take advantage of.
The Sooners' schedule starts out with three ranked opponents within the first five games, and all of them are away from friendly Norman with trips to No. 16 Michigan and No. 3 Georgia, and the Red River Rivalry against Texas in Dallas. Things ease up the rest of the way, but there's still no such thing as easy in the SEC, especially now with an extra ninth conference game.
Regardless, each week, Venables will be tasked with figuring out what it takes to beat the team on the other sideline. At least here in August, this seems to be every team's weakness that the Sooners can take advantage of.
One weakness for every team the Sooners play this season
Sept. 4 vs UTEP: Being UTEP
This is by far the weakest team on the Sooners' schedule. Now coming from the Mountain West, there just aren't enough resources and talent at UTEP for the Miners to compete with a playoff contender. UTEP is basically just one giant weakness.
Sept. 12 at Michigan: Interior defense
The Wolverines are dangerous coming off the edge but weak inside. The Sooners have struggled to run the ball, but that should be better in 2026 and Michigan's weak spot will bolster OU's own weakness. Being able to rely on the run game more will take a lot off quarterback John Mateer in the Sooners' first road game of the season.
Sept. 19 vs New Mexico: Quarterback play
What was once New Mexico's strength is now its glaring weakness with starting quarterback Jack Layne out for the season. The Lobos will play multiple quarterbacks in their season opener, which means they actually don't have a quarterback at all.
Even a dangerous Group of 6 squad like New Mexico didn't stand much of a chance against the Sooners, but without Layne, the Lobos' chances are even closer to zero.
Sept. 26 at Georgia: Pass rush
The Bulldogs always have a stout defense under Kirby Smart, but folks in Athens are rightfully concerned about their pass rush heading into 2026. Georgia was dead last in the SEC last season with 20 sacks in 14 games. There wasn't enough change over the offseason to believe that will be much better this year.
That road environment will be a lot to handle, but at least quarterback John Mateer won't also have to deal with even more pressure coming from Georgia's defense.
Oct. 10 vs Texas: Secondary
As talented (and expensive) as Texas' roster is, the Longhorns lack star power at defensive back. The Longhorns have their biggest holes downfield, which is even better for the Sooners. With speedsters like Isaiah Sategna and Trell Harris, plus Red River Rivalry secret weapon Parker Livingstone, Oklahoma should be able to scorch Texas' secondary for a few big plays.
Oct. 17 vs Kentucky: Depth
Kentucky is relying on guys like Nic Anderson at wide receiver and Jovantae Barnes at running back. Both players are former Sooners, so OU fans know first-hand all about their injury history. This new roster under first-year coach Will Stein isn't very deep while also being littered with players made of glass.
The Wildcats already lack the talent to keep up with OU, but things could get ugly if Kentucky is already beat up by this point.
Oct. 24 at Mississippi State: Defensive line
Mississippi State had a flat out bad defensive front last season, and although Jeff Lebby brought in some transfers, the defensive line is still a major question mark, especially in SEC play. The offensive line should finally be a strength of the Sooners again in 2026, so if it's good on bad in the trenches, OU could do whatever it wants against the Bulldogs.
Oct. 31 vs South Carolina: Offensive line
South Carolina has consistently struggled up front under Shane Beamer. OU fans know from experience that it's nearly impossible for an offense to succeed behind a lackluster offensive line, plus the Sooners could once again have one of the best defensive fronts in the country for the Gamecocks to have to deal with.
Nov. 7 at Florida: Quarterback
Aaron Philo just beat out Tramell Jones to be Florida's QB1 (for now). Philo was a backup in the ACC last season, so obviously he's nothing to be concerned with. He'll also be behind a poor offensive line, which knocks his play down another peg. Whovever is the Gators' QB by this point, Brent Venables will have him in a blender.
Nov. 14 vs Ole Miss: No Lane Kiffin
Say what you want about Lane Kiffin's character, but the dude can coach football. And on the topic of Kryptonite, Venables might look like Superman when calling a defense, but not against Kiffin's offenses. But now, Kiffin is at LSU, and the Rebels are destined for a drop-off this season, especially on offense.
Nov. 21 vs Texas A&M: Offensive line
Texas A&M's offensive line has folks in College Station worried that it could keep the Aggies from returning to the CFP, even with quarterback Marcel Reed back. It's always difficult to overcome a bad O-line, but life gets even harder when facing a defensive front like the Sooners have.
Nov. 28 at Missouri: Roster turnover
Missouri returns only seven starters total from its 2025 team, with the biggest losses coming on defense. The Tigers also didn't have the transfer additions or past recruiting classes to believe they just reloaded and upgraded throughout the roster. Considering the Sooners don't play Mizzou until the final week of the regular season, continuity shouldn't really be a hinderance, but the Tigers still have less talent than seasons past.
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